Argentina

The Centre of Research on Porphyrins and Porphyrias -CIPYP was the first Institution in Latin America dedicated to the study of Heme Metabolism, porphyrias, Associated Pathologies and Photodynamic Therapy.
It was officially created 41 years before by the National Scientific and Technology Research Council-CONICET. Dr Alcira Batlle was the founder and first Director. It also depends from the University of Buenos Aires.
Patients : the differential biochemical diagnosis and the genetic study are carried out for all the Porphyrias. We also perform the biochemical and clinical follow up of patients and latent  carriers. Genetic studies on Hereditary Hemochromatosis type I (HFE gene) are also done.
Farmacogenetics: Polymorphisms and associated haplotypes are analyzed in the genes of  drug metabolizing system and transports which affect the bioavailability of drugs.
Experimental Porphyria: The effect of porphyrinogenic drugs on heme metabolism and related pathways are investigated in genetics and pharmacological models.
Associated Pathologies : Pathways that interconnect the carbohydrate metabolism and heme biosynthesis regulation are studied in experimental model of diabetes.